A Warrior Never Retires: The Distinguished Career of Group Captain Daniel Victor | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
As we sat for a Global TV chat, Group Captain Daniel Victor leaned a little back and forth, quickly reflecting to the past and also the future plans. He knew that the future is built on the foundations of the past. The wisdom of years spent in service had inbuilt and instilled enough and more Confidence within him. He said, “It is not about knowing what you can do. It’s about knowing that, no matter what, you will always find a way to contribute towards your overall master plan.
It was this very principle that defined his 33-year career in the Indian Air Force (IAF). Commissioned into the Administration branch on May 28, 1983, he embraced every challenge with the same quiet confidence as the tomato in his story which you will see a little later as you enter the dragon and drive into its nuances. Youngsters; take an advice from right now; be different and know about that tomato which was never seeking validation, yet always proving his worth.
A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence
Over three decades in uniform, Group Captain Victor held numerous leadership roles that tested his strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience. He served as Commander of an Airmen Selection Centre, an Instructor at the National Defence Academy (NDA), and most notably, Station Commander of Air Force Station Phalodi; where he had administered a role that would define his legacy.
The Tomato Story: A Tale of Confidence
Group Captain Daniel Victor leaned back in his chair, a knowing smile playing on his lips. We sat across around him, eager to hear his thoughts on leadership, challenges, and life during and beyond the Air Force. But instead of launching the narratives of a renowned past in a conventional speech, he chose to tell a story.
“Imagine yourself at a bustling market,” he began, his voice calm yet commanding. “You’re standing in front of a vendor, looking at a tray full of fresh tomatoes. Some are bright red, others slightly green, and a few too soft to touch. As you scan through them, it feels as if each tomato is calling out to you; ‘Pick me! Choose me!’”
The chamber of Dr. Kurian fell silent, the mountain of trophies also got captivated by the simplicity of his words.
“But then,” he continued, “you notice one tomato that stands apart from the rest. It isn’t begging to be chosen. It isn’t desperate. Instead, it seems to say, ‘If you pick me, good for you. If you don’t, someone else will. Either way, I know my worth.’”
He paused, letting the message sink in. “This tomato has confidence. It understands its value. Meanwhile, the soft, overripe one is anxious, fearing it might be left behind.”
The audience that had increase in number over a period of time gaze and grace with recognizing smiles, all are getting the deeper meaning behind his words.
“This,” he said, sitting up, “is the essence of confidence; not just in leadership, but in life. Whether in the Air Force, business, or personal growth, the key is to know your worth. Don’t be desperate for validation. Don’t seek approval at every turn. If you carry yourself with quiet assurance, people will recognize your value. And if they don’t? Well, someone else will.”
A thoughtful silence followed and we moved forward with the next agenda in the course of the days tasks. This how you should approach your career and life, doesn’t matter if it is in the Indian Air Force or in any other roles.
Group Captain Victor smiles again. Every single day; be like a warrior; and with that, he transitioned into his story. That was the story of a warrior who never truly retired, a leader who built an airbase from the ground up, and a man whose journey was defined not just by his rank, but by the unwavering belief in his own worth. He is an Alchemist who turns Gold out of any raw stuff that he expose over to him; whether it is a team to be mentored or a task to be administered.
Building a Stronghold: Air Force Station Phalodi
His exceptional service did not go unnoticed. He received commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and the Chief of the Air Staff, all recognizing his professionalism and strategic foresight.
It was Air Force Station Phalodi that had become the proving ground of his extra ordinary skills to challenge the impossible. That is the deserted ground where his leadership would be tested like never before.
When Group Captain Victor took charge of Air Force Station Phalodi, it was little more than a barren stretch of land under the South Western Air Command. His team? Just 37 air warriors, including only two officers; one of them sitting right next to him looking at the challenging targets. The challenges are immensely rich and inspiring as well, even now. Then it was harsh weather, logistical constraints, and the sheer scale of building a fully operational airbase from the ground up.
But if there was one thing he had learned, it was this: A leader does not wait for the perfect conditions. He creates them.
With relentless perseverance, he oversaw the construction of runways, taxiways, operational infrastructure, and living accommodations. Under his command, the station evolved from an idea into a frontline airbase, a vital asset to national defence.
It wasn’t just about infrastructure. It was about people. He worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for his personnel, ensuring that those under his command thrived, both professionally and personally.
His success at Phalodi became a testimony to his administrative acumen, strategic vision, and unwavering leadership. He proved himself to be a true warrior shaping the battlefield, even outside the cockpit.
The Warrior’s Journey Continues: Beyond Retirement
When Group Captain Victor retired, many assumed he would step away from active contribution. But as he had always believed, a warrior never truly retires. He simply finds new avenues to serve.
His vast experience in infrastructure development and base planning made him an invaluable asset in his post-retirement role at Air Force Station Tambaram. Here, he played a crucial part in planning the induction of Indigenous Jet Trainer aircraft, working through complex logistical and structural challenges.
His expertise in modifications, alterations, and demolitions allowed him to continue shaping the future of the Air Force, ensuring that the next generation of warriors had the foundation they needed to succeed.
Honors and Recognition
For his outstanding contributions to the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Daniel Victor was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal by the Hon’ble President of India; a prestigious recognition of his leadership, strategic acumen, and dedication to service.
But if you asked him what mattered most, he would not point to the medals or commendations. He would point to the airbases he helped build, the officers he mentored, and the lives he shaped through his service.
A Passion Beyond Service: The Love for Driving
Even beyond the Air Force, Group Captain Victor carried his warrior spirit into every aspect of life. His passion for driving is something that you should experience and enjoy some time. It talks a lot more than a hobby. Terrains and people with their odd behaviours and manners never make him lag behind.
He may get down and walk up to shake hand with someone who had blocked his way with inexperience in driving. Horns all around and sudden piled up queues never shakes his calm. He is on continuation of the discipline, precision, and adventurous spirit that had defined his illustrious career.
For him, the road is a metaphor for life. Unpredictable, sometimes treacherous, yet always give an opportunity to move forward with purpose. Whether piloting long highways or manoeuvring through challenging terrains, he drives the spirit of life with the same calm confidence that had defined his military years.
Much like his career, he didn’t wait for perfect conditions. He adapt, he persist, and he move ahead unwavering. He is always in control, always prepared.
An Inspiration to Future Generations
As the conversation with drew to a close, a young journalist asked, “Sir, after everything, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned?”
Group Captain Victor smiled, leaning back with the quiet assurance of a man who had seen it all.
“Confidence,” he said. “Know your worth. Never beg for opportunities; create them. Never wait for the perfect moment; seize the one you have. A warrior doesn’t stop serving just because he hangs up his uniform. He simply finds new battles to fight, new challenges to overcome.”
His journey, his leadership, and his enduring spirit of service continue to inspire. For Group Captain Daniel Victor, the mission never ends. Because a true warrior never retires.
